Health Information

Wild blueberries are a nutritious treat that is a good source of Vitamin C and dietary fiber. There is no fat, sodium or cholesterol and only 80 calories per cup of berries. As well, recent studies have shown that the pigments that give the wild blueberries their unique color provide many health benefits.

Anthocyanins are the pigments in the wild blueberries and they contain very important compounds called antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed by the body to fight compounds called free radicals, which are formed as a byproduct of breathing, digesting and exercising. If free radicals are not stopped, they can cause cancer, heart disease, other diseases and premature aging. Wild blueberries were found to have the highest level of antioxidants in a study by the USDA of 40 fruits and vegetables. It is important to make them part of your diet, especially as you age, since your body?s defenses weaken and free radicals can cause more damage.

As people age, they often suffer from memory loss and experience a decrease in motor ability. A study by the USDA has shown that wild blueberries may reverse these problems and help fight the effects of aging. Aged rats that were fed a diet of wild blueberries showed improvements in short-term memory and motor skills when compared with aged rats fed a diet without wild blueberries. The outward signs of aging may be combated by wild blueberries since antioxidants help the skin to maintain elasticity.

Urinary tract infections are a common health problem that may be prevented by eating wild blueberries. Tannins, which are found in wild blueberries and cranberries, prevent the bacteria, which cause these infections from attaching to the wall of the bladder and urinary tract. This allows them to pass through the body without causing problems.

In Japan, the wild blueberry is called "the vision fruit" for its ability to relieve eyestrain. Studies have shown that a cousin of the wild blueberry is capable of improving night vision and help the eyes adapt to different levels of light. Further studies will examine the effects that blueberries may have on controlling vision problems related to diabetes.

Studies have shown that a proper diet and eating habits may help to prevent cancer. Wild blueberries contain compounds that may be able to fight cancer and may keep enzymes responsible for duplicating cancer cells from working.

Red wine has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease. This is due to the dark red pigments in the wine, which are also called anthocyanins. The same types of pigments are found in wild blueberries, so it is reasonable to expect that they might help to lower the risk of heart disease.